Trial of Tamale rioters begins

Tamale (N/R) July 10, GNA - The trial of 114 rioters involved in the recent disturbance between NPP and NDC supporters in the Tamale Municipality began at the Tamale High Court on Thursday.

The suspects, who all pleaded not guilty, were granted five million-cedi bail with one surety each until July 17.

Mr. Solomon K. Atadze, Principal State Attorney, prosecuting said on April 23, this year, the Regional Police Command and the Military had information that some people were causing disturbances in the municipality.

He said acting upon the information a combined Police and Military personnel were dispatched to maintain law and order.

The prosecution said when the team arrived at the scene they saw the accused persons wielding offensive weapons including guns, clubs, bows and arrows and sticks.

He said because of their avowed intention to create mayhem, the accused persons did not even bother to run away on seeing the security personnel.

The team realizing its limited numerical strength, quickly called for reinforcement after which the accused were rounded up and sent to the police station.

Mr Atadze said even though all the accused persons were arrested in the act of rioting they denied any involvement in their respective caution statements to the police.

He said police investigations, however, established overwhelming evidence against the accused persons.

On April 23, this year, the youth supporters of the NPP and the NDC rioted in the Tamale Municipality resulting in the death of four persons and the burning of 11 houses in the area.